For so many of us, driving is a normality, a daily occurrence that gets us from A to B, but for others, driving can either be completely out of reach or stripped away too early.
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When we think about rehabilitation it’s common to picture physical therapy or even counselling, but founder of Wheelly Independent, Cinamon Bohr shines a light on an area of recovery that’s not always given a spotlight — driving.
“I’m an occupational therapist with an interest in driving,” she says.
“I completed studies around occupational therapy driving assessments, working with heavy vehicles and since this time, have continued to work in the field.
“I founded my own business that I continue to operate on a part time basis and am the holder of a HC licence, driving school buses part time also.”
Since completing her course, Cinamon has developed experience working with a wide variety of clients who present with spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, neurological conditions, dementia, mental illness and physical and cognitive impairments.
In January, Cinamon was honoured to receive the Driving the Difference Scholarship Certificate at the Transport Women Australia (TWAL) function, proudly sponsored by Daimler Truck Australia.
Each year, this scholarship is awarded to a diverse group of women in transport, logistics and supply chain industry, who have undertaken a wide range of courses to continue their professional development.
Cinamon will be studying a Diploma of Logistics at the College of Adult Learning.
Dedicating her career to empowering people, Cinamon strives on helping others navigate the often complex process of returning to driving, despite physical, cognitive or neurological damage.
Wheelly Independent gets drivers back on the roads by conducting occupational therapy, gathering information through off and on road assessments, vehicle modifications, a driver rehabilitation program and even a seating assessment.
It also provides a wheelchair prescription and assessment, truck driving assessment, fatigue management training and consultation with a specialist.
The business caters to learner drivers, older drivers and drivers who have a medical condition or disability.
With over two decades of experience, Cinamon has access to a variety of driving schools across New South Wales and Victoria, as well as access to a driving instructor with modified vehicles.
She also works closely with treating doctors and professionals, registered training officers and respective licencing boards.
“My father has always tinkered on cars, and I was exposed to motorsport, rally cars and the Australian circuit,” she says.
“Together, this fostered my interest around the task of driving which I continued to explore once I graduated from university.”
The connection between workplace rehabilitation, returning to work and driving became a strong area of interest which I continue to pursue to this day, inclusive of assisting commercial truck drivers returning to work following a medical episode, transport accident or workplace incident.”
Cinamon says there is a risk management and safety consideration incorporated into every individual’s program.
“Every rehabilitation program is unique to the needs of the driver, covering matters related to driving as well as the inherent aspects of their duties, like loading, securing loads and handling gates.”
With many miracle stories to share, Cinamon gains lots of satisfaction assisting others return to their chosen careers.
“Some journeys are quick and others lengthy,” she says.
“The challenges I may experience when coordinating and liaising with an injured truck driver who has sustained either physical, psychological or emotional injuries, their employer and respective licencing boards are completely worth the effort, empathy and compassion.”
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, the path to recovery can be particularly challenging, frustrating and even heartbreaking especially when an individual can no longer drive.
Cinamon says dealing with drivers and their medical team, employers and family, when they are no longer considered a suitable candidate for driving transport is the worst part of her job.
But as important as it is physically for her clients to be okay; it is just as important mentally.
For many, the idea of returning to work can be daunting, Cinamon is a bridge and a trusted source of support for those working through fears and doubts.
Despite the challenges, Cinamon finds immense fulfillment in the work she does, with every journey different, helping people get behind the wheel, regaining their independence and confidence is truly rewarding.
“Meeting new people and hearing their story is what I love,” she says.
“Assisting people to navigate and return to the task of driving, including providing education around the medical processes and assisting the driver when liaising with the licencing board makes it worth it.”
Cinamon understands others unique needs and provides the right tools and resources to help reclaim their lives, so where driving is tied to freedom and livelihood, Wheelly Independent is a lifeline for many.
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